Ezekiel 19:8
Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces, and spread their net over him: he was taken in their pit.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ
set
H5414
וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ
set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 10
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עָלָ֥יו
H5921
עָלָ֥יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
גּוֹיִ֛ם
Then the nations
H1471
גּוֹיִ֛ם
Then the nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
3 of 10
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
סָבִ֖יב
against him on every side
H5439
סָבִ֖יב
against him on every side
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
4 of 10
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
מִמְּדִינ֑וֹת
from the provinces
H4082
מִמְּדִינ֑וֹת
from the provinces
Strong's:
H4082
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region
עָלָ֛יו
H5921
עָלָ֛יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Ezekiel 12:13My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.Ezekiel 19:4The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt.
Historical Context
Nebuchadnezzar's 597 BC campaign brought together Babylonian forces and vassal troops from surrounding regions. The siege was swift and effective. Jehoiachin surrendered after three months of reign (2 Kings 24:10-12), fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy that he would be cast out (Jeremiah 22:24-30).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we see God's hand in political and military events?
- What does it mean that God uses pagan nations to accomplish His purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces, and spread their net over him: he was taken in their pit.' The nations (Babylon and allies) coordinate against the young lion. 'Set against him...from the provinces' indicates organized, widespread opposition. 'Spread their net...taken in their pit' uses hunting imagery—the predator becomes prey. God's sovereignty appears in Babylon's strategic success.